Upon testing, water samples collected from the Chaliyar River were found to possess two types of cyanobacteria namely microcystis and anabaena.

Kozhikhode: Locals of Areacode in Kerala's Malappuram district were in for a surprise when they sighted a mysterious blue-green layer blanketing the Chaliyar River that originates in Wayanad district and flows through the districts of Malappuram and Kozhikode.

The situation, however, escalated only when scientists at the Water Quality Division of the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) in Kozhikode, took water samples from the river and subjected them to various tests.

Upon testing, water samples collected from the Chaliyar River were found to possess two types of cyanobacteria namely microcystis and anabaena.

Scientists have pointed out that apart from causing immeasurable harm to the biodiversity present in the region, the cyanobacteria found in the water has been known to cause neurological issues in people who come in contact with it.

According to reports by The News Minute, the Areacode grama panchayat is yet to initiate a drive aimed at cleaning the river of the toxic algae, even seven days after it was detected in water samples collected from the Chaliyar River.

Meanwhile, a scientist with the CWRDM has clarified that the local administration of the concerned region has been notified of the issue and has been instructed to carry out a cleaning drive without any further delay.

While claiming that the upstream of Areacode, a portion spanning at least five kilometres is already facing the brunt of the issue, the scientist added that finding such algae in water bodies is not uncommon in this season considering that the rise in temperatures provides a favourable condition for the algae to multiply.

Environmental activists, on the other hand, have expressed serious concerns regarding the presence of the toxic algae in the river considering that the Kerala Water Authority pumps water from the Chaliyar River for distribution in Kozhikode and Malappuram district.

Alleging inaction by all concerned local bodies over the issue, Kozhikode-based NGO Anveshana Bandh has even written to the Prime Minister seeking his intervention.

Scientists detect toxic algae known to cause neurological harm in Kerala’s Chaliyar RiverDescription:Upon testing, water samples collected from the Chaliyar River were found to possess two types of cyanobacteria namely microcystis and anabaena.Times Now